Skopelos is a small island that resembles a saxophone in shape. It is a wonderful holiday destination for a one- or several-day trip to explore and enjoy its charms, i.e. sunny beaches, swimming and sea attractions as well as water sports. The island is also an ideal place for nature lovers, more than half of it is covered with pine forests.
Here we will find pebbly, rocky and sandy beaches, which are often hidden in beautiful bays. Crystal clear waters that are the background for a heavenly vacation! It is also worth taking a trip to the main town of the island, Skopelos. This town has the appearance of a typical Greek town and has retained its unusual local atmosphere despite the visits of tourists.
Location:
Skopelos is a small Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, and belongs to the Northern Sporades archipelago. Lies between Skiathos and Alonissos.
Best Beaches:
- Panormos Beach
Panormos Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Skopelos Island. It is located 12 km from Skopelos Chora. The landscape of the pine forest contrasts beautifully with the changing blue of the sea.
And on both sides there are 600 m of small pebbles and sand, where you can sunbathe before taking a dip in the wonderfully clear waters. Rent a kayak and explore the coastline or follow the path leading to the lovely and sheltered little port of Blo.
- Hovolo Beach
Hovolo is a stunning, slightly secluded natural beach on a clean, clear water paradise that is still unspoilt by man. Take your beach shoes as to access you need to cross some rocks and you get your feet wet.
Hоvοlо is а bеаutiful bеасh with smаll pеbblеs, ехοtiс lаndsсаpе аnd trаnspаrеnt turquоisе wаtеr. Nо mаttеr thе ассеss, it sοmеtimеs gеts сrоwdеd.
- Stafilos Beach
Skopelos Stafilos Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is just 5km away from town and can be accessed via a local bus, which makes it one of the most popular beaches in Skopelos.
The pebbled bay and fine sand perfectly complement the sapphire sea water. While there are sunbeds and amenities, half of the beach remains completely unspoiled and is backed by high cliffs that offer scenic views and natural shade.
- Kastani Beach
Kastani Beach is located 18 kilometers west of Skopelos city.It is a wide bay of pale sand mixed with some small pebbles, it has a beautiful sea, clear and transparent, it is surrounded by green vegetation and bordered by trees that give a pleasant natural shade.
Kastani Beach is almost entirely occupied by a bar that plays loud music. So young people know that here you will have a great time!
- Velanio Beach
Velanio Beach is a quiet beach with a nudist part. Here you can find people of all ages and plenty of room for everyone. This is a lovely beach with beautiful water for swimming in a beautiful setting. There is a snack bar and the beach does have umbrellas and sunshades to rent but most part of the beach is free of sunbeds.
Sightseeing:
- Agios Ioannis Church (Chapel of St. John)
This beautiful chapel of St.John or Ayios Ioannis sits on top of a massive rock formation while gently resting on the sea.At the very top, and as you pass through the arched entrance, you can feel proud of yourselves, having climbed all the way up to climb its 103 very steep steps.
As you progress your way towards the top, you can have a chance to admire and examine up close the various shades of this rock and its interesting formations. The deep blue, Aegean sea all around you will reward you with breaths of salty air and breezes you will surely appreciate.
- Evangelistria Monastery (Holy Monastery of the Annunciation)
One of the most important monasteries of Skopelos is the Monastery of Evangelistria of Caesar Daponte. Built in 1712 on the slope of Mount Palouki, the monastery dominates with its imposing and fortified appearance, which can be easily seen from the port of Skopelos.
The access to the point of the temple is easy and the visiting hours are: 8:00-13:00 and 17:00 to 19:00 daily.
- Venetian Castle
Thе Vеnеtiаn саstlе ( Каstrο) is lосаtеd in Sкоpеlοs Chоrа, аt thе tοp оf thе Оld Τοwn. It wаs built by thе Vеnеtiаns in 13 сеnturу, оvеr thе wаll οf thе аnсiеnt tоwn οf Ρеpаrеthоs whiсh οnсе еxistеd оn thе islаnd.
Tоdау thеrе is nοt muсh lеft frоm thе саstlе, еxсеpt fοr pаrt оf thе wаll. In thе summеr thо tаvеrnаs οpеrаtе nеxt tо thе wаll аnd thеу аrе кnοwn fоr thе livе rеbеtiκο musiс.
- Lighthouse “Faros Gourouni”
The lighthouse Gourouniis built at the northernmost point of the island of Skopelos. Located 10 kilometers from the village of Glossa.
This historic lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime history and boasts breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The journey to the lighthouse takes you through lush pine forests, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Capital: Skopelos Town (Chora)
Skopelos Town, a hillside sprawl of chalk-white houses and terracotta roofs, is the main hub of the island. The Chora is a charming maze of narrow alleys and blooming bougainvillaea that reveals traditional tavernas and cultural attractions.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Skopelos Town: Port of Skopelos, Agnontas Beach, Agios Ioannis, Kastani Beach, Photo Centre of Skopelos.
Underwater world:
Skopelos is home to a rich variety of marine life, including octopuses, sea turtles, starfish, and colorful fish. Divers can also explore underwater and wondrous ancient shipwrecks.
Here is the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades, the first marine park in Greece and the largest protected marine area in Europe. It is part of the Natura 2000, the European network of protected areas, and several of its zones are free for diving, swimming, wildlife watching, and amateur photography.
